Bible Strands
John 10:3
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to the crowd in John 10, continuing his shepherd metaphor after John 10:2. He describes the gatekeeper's response to his arrival and the sheep's recognition of his voice.
The words — θυρωρὸς (thurōros) means doorkeeper, and ἀνοίγει (anoigei) means opens. These terms describe the gatekeeper opening the gate for the shepherd and the sheep listening to his voice.
The thread — The pattern of divine search and recognition runs through Ezekiel 34:11 and 2 Timothy 2:19. John 10:4 immediately extends the sequence by showing the sheep following him after he leads them out.
Why it lands — The text states that the shepherd calls his own sheep by name, opens the gate, and leads them out. It requires readers to recognize his voice, acknowledge his personal calling, and follow him as he goes ahead.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 34:11 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.
- 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
- John 10:4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
- Psalms 78:52 He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness.
- John 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,
- John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.
- Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.
- John 10:26 But because you are not My sheep, you refuse to believe.
- Exodus 33:17 So the LORD said to Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.”
- Psalms 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.